Call for position: Research support position - Specialist support technician: Advanced multi-ph[...]

Universitat Pompeu Fabra - Department / School of Engineering; España; Presencial; EUR 24.000 - 29.000; A tiempo parcial

Descripción de la vacante

A research institution in Spain seeks a part-time Researcher for a project analyzing low back pain. Responsibilities include developing finite models and conducting machine learning analysis. Candidates should have a relevant Master's degree and expertise in biomedical engineering. The role is based in Barcelona, starting mid-October 2025, and offers a competitive salary of approximately €24,579.66 gross annually.

Formación

• Excellent proficiency in English required.
• Experience in 3D multiphysics finite element modelling.
• Experience in image processing and data analysis.

Responsabilidades

• Develop finite element models to investigate low back pain.
• Simulate mechanotransport in disc models using Abaqus.
• Conduct machine learning analysis on data sets.

Conocimientos

3D multiphysics finite element modelling

Image processing

Data analysis

Machine learning

Clinical databases (REDCap)

High oral and written proficiency in English

Abaqus

Fortran

Python

Matlab

Educación

Biomedical engineering Master's or similar

Descripción del empleo

Universitat Pompeu Fabra - Department / School of Engineering

Organisation/Company Universitat Pompeu Fabra - Department / School of Engineering Department Engineering Research Field Engineering » Biomedical engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Research Support Positions Country Spain Application Deadline 2 Oct 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Part-time Hours Per Week 30 Offer Starting Date 17 Sep 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The project proposes the development of finite element models aimed at investigating low back pain. The main objective is to assess the relationships between intervertebral disc morphology, at different levels (from L1 to S1), and the expression of mRNA in cells. To achieve this goal, patient-specific models of 169 intervertebral discs will be employed. In addition, an analysis of biopsychosocial factors will be carried out using data from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort (over 20,000 subjects).

The research aims to identify novel biomarkers associated with both low back pain and intervertebral disc degeneration. This knowledge will enable risk stratification strategies and, consequently, contribute to a better understanding and management of this pathology.

The project will involve the simulation of mechanotransport in 169 patient-specific disc models using Abaqus, with the aim of extracting biomechanical data and mRNA expression profiles. Subsequently, a machine learning analysis will be conducted to investigate the relationships between disc morphology, biomechanics, and the expression of molecular markers such as MMP3, ADAMTS4, collagen types I and II, and aggrecans. In parallel, a second machine learning analysis will be performed on a dataset comprising 673 biopsychosocial variables, including demographic, biochemical, musculoskeletal, anthropometric, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) factors. Finally, the results will be compiled and structured into a scientific article, with the objective of disseminating the findings and advancing knowledge in the field.

The duration of these tasks is estimated over a period of 6 months. The expected start date is mid-October 2025, the job is in Barcelona.

The selection of the candidates will be made through evaluation of the curriculum and, where appropriate, with the carrying out a test and/or interview. Valuation will be as follows:

• Academic Training (0-20 points): Biomedical engineering, Mechanical engineering Master or similar
• Professional experience, adequacy to the proposed profile (0-60 points): Experience in 3D multiphysics finite element modelling. Experience in image processing. Experience in mesh morphing for personalized medicine. Experience in data analysis and machine learning. Experience in the use of clinical databases(REDCap).
• Other merits (0-20 points): High oral and written proficiency in English. Solid knowledge of Abaqus, Fortran, Python and Matlab.
• Available to start on October 1st

The minimum score to pass the selection process is 70 points. The candidate with the highest score in the selection process will be offered the job.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Research Field Engineering » Biomedical engineering

Additional Information

24579.66 € gross per year

Additional comments

Financing fund: PREUR02822 - HEu-ERC-CoG-O-Health-101044828-J.Noailly